Musharraf and after

While former Pakistani President, General Pervez Musharraf, has been criticised by most in Pakistan and cold-shouldered by his erstwhile foreign supporters — the US and Saudi Arabia — some papers here have taken a softer view. Lucknow-based Qaumi Khabrein, in an editorial (Aug. 19) has lauded him for what he did for Pakistan during very critical days, particularly after 9/11. According to the paper, after complete decimation of Afghanistan by the US, Musharraf saved Pakistan from destruction by avoiding confrontation with the US. “At that time even a simple sentimental decision would have taken Pakistan back to the Stone Age, about which the American authorities had forewarned Musharraf.” He took many steps subsequently that saved Pakistan from disaster on more than one occasion, the paper recounts.

Rashtriya Sahara, in an editorial entitled, ‘Pakistan: Example of Political Opportunism’ (Aug 27) says: “If the Army has taken over control in Pakistan, repeatedly, the reason is that even now democracy in that country is moving on its knees and politicians have no sense of responsibility even after being kicked out time and again”. A day earlier the paper’s lead story was headlined, ‘Pakistan Mein Phir Fauji Boot ki Aahat?’ (murmur of army boots again in Pakistan).

Shahid in sherwani

Political analysts may have written off Rajya Sabha MP Shahid Siddiqui who recently walked over from SP to BSP, but this dogged campaigner has not given up. Coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations, leading Urdu papers carried huge front-page ads with a very large photograph of Siddiqui clad in a black Sherwani (Aligarh style), sponsored by his supporters, his career as a “Fearless Urdu journalist and voice of truth” and congratulating him for his appointment as General Secretary of BSP and his candidature from Bijnore’s parliamentary constituency.